Salvation Army Adjusts Clothing Bank Network in Bedford Borough

The Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) has recently removed its clothing banks throughout Bedford Borough as part of a nationwide network adjustment. This decision stems from significant challenges within the textile recycling market, including declining resale values, increased operational costs, and a surge in low-quality clothing driven by fast fashion trends.

Impact of the Changing Textile Recycling Landscape

These changes are occurring across the UK and are not a localized decision made by Bedford Borough Council. The textile recycling industry as a whole is facing considerable strain, with many operators scaling back or even ceasing their services. The rebates councils once received from collected clothing have plummeted by approximately 98% in just two years, and in some instances, councils are now incurring costs to recycle these materials.

Where Can You Still Recycle Textiles?

While SATCoL banks are being removed, options for textile recycling remain available. Several clothing retailers, such as Primark and Dunelm, continue to operate clothing and textile banks. It’s crucial to remember that clothing, shoes, and textiles should not be placed in your household orange-lidded wheelie bins – these will not be collected if textiles are found inside.

Fortunately, Bedford Borough residents still have access to recycling facilities:

• Mini-Recycling Centres: Numerous mini-recycling centres throughout Bedford Borough accept textiles.
• Household Waste Recycling Centre: The centre on Barkers Lane, Bedford, continues to accept textile donations.

You can find a comprehensive list of recycling locations using the Recycling Locator: www.bedford.gov.uk/MyBins

Future Recycling Initiatives

Bedford Borough Council is actively exploring solutions to reinstate clothing and textile banks where feasible. Following feedback from the Resources Waste Strategy consultation, the council is also considering a kerbside collection service for textiles. A significant 46% of respondents expressed interest in a free, monthly, bookable textile collection service.

Responsible Textile Disposal: A Call to Action

Councillor Nicola Gribble, Portfolio Holder for the Environment, emphasizes the importance of continued recycling efforts: “We know how important recycling is to our residents, and we’re working to find other options where we can. In the meantime, please keep donating or reusing your good quality clothes through other routes, such as local charity shops, some retail stores and online options like Freegle, Freecycle, and Vinted. Please don’t leave bags at or beside removed banks, it creates a mess and may lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice.”

How You Can Help

Here’s how you can contribute to a more sustainable textile cycle:

• Donate Good Quality Clothing: Items in good condition can be donated and resold.
• Recycle Unusable Textiles: Even items unsuitable for reuse can be recycled into materials like chair padding, cleaning cloths, and industrial blankets.

Looking Ahead: Bedford Borough’s Recycling Plans

Bedford Borough Council recently thanked residents for their participation in the new glass bottle and jar recycling collections. Furthermore, weekly food waste collections are scheduled to begin on Monday, March 30, 2026, providing residents with a convenient way to recycle food scraps, leftovers, and other organic waste. New food waste caddies are currently being delivered throughout the borough.